Thanks everyone.
What to say about my dear little orange boy. Who knew that 7 years ago when he wandered through our garden he would have such a big impact. It took a while to gain his trust, being an entire tom he never stayed long but did eventually learnt that he was onto a good thing with us and knew he would get regular meals on his terms. Catching him for the first time to treat an eye ulcer turned out to be easy when I discovered his love of catnip and toys - a toy thrown into a carrier resulted in one cat in a carrier on the first time of trying.
He spent a long two weeks at a rescue who kindly looked after him whilst his eye was recovering - the poor rescue lady said he turned her house upside down with his crying and him being a tom didn't help. He definitely did not appreciate being an indoor cat! Even though he was still technically a "stray" at that point he clearly had decided that I was his care-giver - as soon as I arrived at the rescue to visit him or collect him he was quiet and good as gold. Even though he was neutered whilst he was with them he never lost his "tom cat" smell and never wanted to stay inside the house.
When I got home with him I was told to keep him in for a period of time but it was impossible - he left the house without a backward glance and I didn't expect to see him again. He clearly had other ideas and was back later that day for his supper and after that he was around most days. With his bits gone he turned into a real loving cat - but one with very definite need for his own freedom which suited us fine as he really did have a strong smell about him and two other cats who got on fine with him as long as he was outside. He had clearly been someone's pet previously as he was so friendly to anyone - loved children and attention - and loved playing with all the toys he could get his paws on.
Thought we were going to lose him in November last year when he stopped eating. It really was going to be the end for him then - but something made me talk to him and tell him what was planned. I told him that he was going to have to fight if he wanted to stay and eat something/give me a sign if he wanted a chance - within minutes he had reached his paw out and touched me. This was the first time he had moved in hours. He followed this with a tiny bit of ham - it was enough to show me that he still wanted to live.
I don't regret giving him those extra months - no matter what was done or how many visits to the vet he was very uncomplaining and was the most calm cat I have ever taken.
In the end his body just was too broken to continue. He had bad eyes, was deaf, thyroid problems, no teeth, beginning signs of kidney and liver problems and toilet problems. Yet through it all he still loved life and the only time he showed any temper was when he had to have his medication put into his mouth directly.
So, my darling Ginger Ninja, thank you for coming to us all those years ago. I hope we gave you a good life and didn't let you go too early. You were the most sweet natured cat I have ever had the pleasure of looking after. RIP my love. I have never dreamt of you before but the night you died I saw you in my dreams and you were back to the healthy, bright boy that you were when I first saw you. I trust that it was a sign that I had done the right thing.
